January 29, 2025
TORONTO – Following B’nai Brith Canada’s advocacy, the University of Toronto has reportedly cancelled the room booking for an event featuring a convicted terrorist.
“Allowing an unrepentant member of a listed terrorist organization to spread propaganda on campus would have compromised the safety and well-being of students,” B’nai Brith Canada wrote Wednesday on social media. “We commend the university for taking appropriate action to prevent this dangerous platforming of extremism.”
Shadi Shurafa, the speaker, was convicted in Israel for plotting to bomb a Jerusalem bus during the Second Intifada. He is also a self-professed member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a listed terrorist entity in Canada. One of the groups that planned to host him was the officially recognized U of T Muslim Students’ Association (UTMSA).
B’nai Brith Canada warned U of T on Tuesday that the event threatened to foment hatred against Jewish and Israeli students. Shortly thereafter, event organizers removed social media posts relating to Shurafa’s appearance and later announced that the event would not be taking place on campus and that he would not be speaking.
“Canadian universities are supposed to be places of learning, not incubators of hate,” said Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Research and Advocacy. “B’nai Brith Canada remains committed to defending the rights, safety, and dignity of peace-loving students and staff on campus.”
